Battersea Dogs and Cats charity invited Dean Russell MP to their London rescue centre to meet some of their friendly companions and understand their policy insights around the Kept Animals Bill and Breed Specific Legislation.
The visit invitation came after Dean raised a Parliamentary Question around cat microchipping.
Battersea has supported cats and dogs since 1860 and believes in an open intake policy meaning no animal will be turned away.
The charity has been able to analyse pet trends for a number of years and shared the insights with Dean and his team. Thankfully, with the government’s mandate of dog microchipping, stray canines have slowly declined. However, there has been a rise in dogs being abandoned by those who are unable to look after them following the easing of lockdown restrictions and returning to work, known as lockdown puppies, or the cost of vet fees.
After the visit Dean said, “I know many constituents are animal lovers, as am I, and it was a delight to be able to meet some furry friends ready for adoption. It was also insightful to understand the charities requests to government around the Kept Animals Bill and Breed Specific Legislation as constituents have rightly raised their concerns with me.”
Dean would love to hear if you have or are planning to rehome a pet: https://www.battersea.org.uk/rehome
